the title of this comment comes from a song called "Get Up Stand Up" by Bob Marley. The reason for that is that Bob promotes peace. So does Eddie Walker. He said that he didn't want to make a big deal out of this whole thing. And he didn't. All the GSA supporters did. They are the ones who got on TV and started slamming Eddie. As for Eddie, just like my tee shirt says, you're my homeboy.

Just like in the song, he is standing for his rights. Just as the GSA members/supporters. Now I'm not here to say who is tight and who is wrong I an here to say that everybody is allowed to have an opinion. So with that being said, let Eddie have his opinion, and have it respected, just as he did with your opinion,GSA supporters/members.

Also in Eddie's letter, that was left out of the media coverage, he said that he didn't want any body to be hurt in any way shape or form. Also in his letter he refers to his students as HEROS. ALL OF THEM. He ment that every student, gay, straight, whatever are Heros to him. And the GSA people say that he doesn't like them... If its any body that is being discrimnated, its Eddie! I mean in all of his time at Irmo High people will only remember this little deal because that's all they will hear about. All this fire Eddie Walker NOW! Eddie hates gays. Its not true. At school I see Eddie in the halls and you know what he does? He shakes pretty much everybody's hand wishes them a great day. Even the gay students. So how are the GSA supporters going to tell me that Eddie hates gays?
If any body is wrong, for their actions and words, NOT for personal bilefs, its the GSA supporters for putting Eddie through an extreamly tough time not only for him but his family.

Now with all that being said, I if you haven't figured it out I am supporting Eddie Walker and what he is doing, standing up for what he beilevs in. And so should you I'm not here to say that the GSA is wrong. I'm saying that clubs like that are not for a high school. If you want a GSA club make one off school campus. Eddie Qalker was the best principle ever. Oh and when you want to slam somebody, this is for you GSA, don't take bits of a letter that somebody wrote and use as if it is a negative letter because isnt. So next time read his letter and read it 5 more times to make you understand it fully.

The high school I attend has a gay/straight alliance as well but here it was not a big deal at all, in fact we treated it as normal. Most gays are harassed by narrow minded people like the despicable individuals attacking this group that they need a place to go to feel safe and share their feelings. Why is it such a big deal that this people have a different belief then you. Its fine not to participate in their club and specific ideas but to condemn them and call them an abomination is cruel and you don't have the right. Yes your religion might not accept homosexuality but you never have the right to put your beliefs on to someone else. For God's sake it's America. The principle's decision is his personal choice and is fine but the groups trying to get the group shut down are despicable.
Kevin 9th grade

I keep reading how the Bible condemns homosexuality but I wonder if anyone here still owns slaves, stones their children to death for not listening to them, refrains from eating pork or shellfish or follows every other tenant in the Bible. If you're going to quote the Bible and use it as the basis of your moral code you cannot pick and choose which parts you want to follow, in doing so you're a hypocrite so unless you do all of the above things you are a bad Christian and are going to Hell with everyone else.

the things that you all are saying. You are putting words in his mouth to make yourseleves think he is a bad person. He does not treat any gay student that comes in the office any different than a straight student. He has made a big difference in this school. All students care about him you should just come see how he cares about these kids. He most of the student by name. I've never known anyone that can remember names like him. His door is always open when a student comes in the office. He always takes time even if he is getting ready to walk out the door for a meeting, lunch duty etc. Last week was a very hard time for the school. We had to deal with a loss and he put it first this club was on the bottom of his list because this great loss was much more important. Don't judge a person for the way they beleive. We all do not agree with everyting in life. He is a good person and he has not said the things you all are saying go back and read his letter. Don't make your on letter out of it.

First of all, let me say that I know Eddie Walker personally as a man of integrity and sound character; those who make the choice to question that or throw accusation are doing so out of ignorance. He made a personal choice because of conscientious objection to a policy he would otherwise have been required to follow. I do believe that is exactly the same stance that some of our greatest American heroes have taken when faced with similar situations. Dr. King certainly is an example of that.

As a veteran of scholastic journalism, let me next ask for accountability for the irresponsible reporting that has been unfolding. Mr. Walker has never said that students in the club will "start having sex" as has been reported; he simply said that a club whose basis is sexuality, in concept, automatically implies sexual activity; past, present or future. This is only the most outrageous example of repeated misreporting and contextual breaches that have become expected and excusable today.

Last, what is the actual issue here? Is the issue really about his convictions? Who are we to say what he should or should not believe? Just as anyone has the right to disagree with him and be treated with respect, he deserves the same.

The issue is that a student organization based on sexuality is not appropriate for the school environment. I am a supporter of both co-curricular and extracurricular programs in schools. Anything that promotes the healthy development of a teenager is not only okay but needed, and the concept of a student forum should set the pace for those kinds of programs. But where do you draw the line? Well, here. You cannot passively allow a club whose theme centers on sexuality without in hand condoning all implications that come with it. One implication: to have a sexual preference, there is a preference to be sexual.

The formation of GSA club will contribute to the students involved placing their identity falsely into homosexuality. This robs them of their person-hood, and instead of learning themselves, their identity becomes wrapped up in a concept or a culture: homosexuality. Imagine if a club were formed based on heterosexuality: what would be the public response to that? I'm certain that Mr. Walker would respond with just the same convictions. What would happen if a club were formed based on skin color? Based on "redneck" or "yankee"? Based on "preps" or "goths"? Would those be any less frightening to us? Each is based on a false identity--not rooted in who a person truly is and is meant to be, but in who they seem to be. That does not contribute to the healthy formation of a teen.

Mr. Walker's disagreement is, in my opinion, the high road, and I am proud of him for his choice. Even if he were wrong, I respect a man whose intestinal fortitude carries his character far beyond those who surround him.

Joe Maumma, when I was a kid and we were celebrating mother's day, I asked my mom why there wasn't a "kid's day". Mom's response - *EVERY* day is kid's day! That same wisdom applies here. You wonder if a "straight" club would receive the same acceptance, but *EVERY* club is a straight club!

And by the way, it's not a "homosexual club", it's a gay/straight alliance and straight teens are welcomed too.

And for all of you "love the sinner hate the sin" types, you're missing the point. Sex of any kind is most certainly against school rules and prohibited. So if you "love" these gay teens and just "hate" the act of gay sex, what are you so up-in-arms about? Love them enough to allow them a place to meet - otherwise all your arguments are disingenuous.

Good for the Principal. I pribably would do the same thing under the circumstance. The question for me is this what would JESUS have done? We need to put GOD back in every situtation. After all it is GOD that we are here. GOD who created us would never allow these type of groups to any be anywhere. JESUS is returning and the people that refuse him are doomed. Don't believe me? Read his word it is very clear about adultry.

Mr. Walker is free to believe whatever he wants. Just as much as I am free to believe what I want and raise my child in the manner I want.

BUT, Mr. Walker went the step further and stated his personal, religious, and or political beliefs and implied that he would use them in the performance of his duties. By doing so, he knowingly and intentionally stated he would hold a biased view towards a group of students based on their sexuality. In so doing, he implied that he would hold that group in less regard than other students. Moreover, he may have endangered that group of students by leaving them with the impression that they cannot trust his judgement should they be victims of abuse by other students. He did, in fact, imply that he would "blame the victim" of such abuse. YOU may not preceive it that way, but look at it from the perspective of an abuse victim. Would you REALLY trust this individual as being an appropriate authority figure to go to at this point if you were the victim of abuse based on your sexuality (specifically being homosexual)?

All those claiming to have been to a school where he was in charge, good for you that YOU received decent treatment. Were YOU one of those victims of abuse based on your sexuality that would have to go to him, an authority figure? Most likely not. If you were one of the "morally acceptable" groups, then you had nothing to worry about, did you?

And, again, we have to deal with the issue of "club".

It isn't a "sex club". It's more in line with "support group". And frankly, the attitudes by commenters, as well as by the principal himself, show the NEED for a "support group" for students who have been abused verbally, mentally, physically, perhaps even sexually for their homosexuality. Indeed, the intended misinformation as well as abusive comments about homosexuals shows that abuse is live and well in just the Irmo school district, if not the entire world. Moreover, the commenters appear to actually want the "club" to not exist so they CAN abuse those students who don't fit in their version of "morality".

it makes such individuals claiming to be Christians seem far more sick, perverted, and obscene than anything THEY could ever claim to be opposed to.

Andrew

I personally don't know this man but it's a travesty he's stepping down. It appears district attorneys may be giving Mr. Walker the wrong advice. It's perfectly permissible (and wise) to prohibit any club where there may be risk of sexual activity. There's a case in Texas that was upheld against a GSA and a school district in Florida has thus far withstood a legal challenge from the ACLU (a probable culprit in this here case), based on the argument that schools don't allow sex clubs. To allow a GSA at the very least implies that sexual activity could occur and for anyone who thinks that such doesn't go on in schools has their heads in the sand. And if sexual activity does occur in a school setting and there is personal injury or worse, an STD contracted, the school could be at greater legal risk than what it would be if it decided to defend Mr. Walker's decision not to permit such a club. There's more to this than meets the eye.

The vast majority of posters in this thread side with this godly man and I am one as well. I only would have hoped he'd have gotten a second legal opinion before throwing in the towel per se. There needs to be more principled men in public settings such as Mr. Walker. God bless him.

I supported the position he took en reference to the situation. I think the school is no place for any kind of sexual orientation club. He is right!! The school is wrong!! Good for your Mr. Walker!
Arce, NC

Am I missing something? Principal Walker's letter is posted in articles by the media. I see no childish name calling in his letter, as I see in the comments posted. I see no hateful remarks towards any particular group in society, as I do in the comments posted. Those opposd to Principal Walker don't seem to practice what they "preach". Why is he being attacked? I will tell you why he is being attacked--because he stood up for his beliefs. Yes, children today do need love and support. This should start at home. If the home is not supportive, then students should find trusted individuals to support them outside school. There is no place for this at school. School is for academics. It has become way too social. This is what is wrong with our educational system. Too many parents expecting the schools to fulfill their duties, babysit their children, and take on their parenting duties. Too many parents want schools to deal with issues, which they are not equipped to deal with, nor is it their job. Where does a group about sex fit into academics? It doesn't! Principal Walker, you have my prayers and support!

What a loser this Eddie Walker is. What student is going to listen to him next year? No one. He has lost his authority by stating there are some kids he loves and others who can just go to hell in his opinion. What public school will take a chance on hiring him now? His career is over, though I suppose he can take a 50-percent pay cut and babysit some rinky-dink Christian High School like I atteneded.

Gay and lesbian kids NEED a support group in high school and heterosexual kids DON'T. Our entire culture is based around supporting heterosexuality. Walker's position that the club is meant to for kids who have or want to have gay sex. Well, guess what Walker, the heterosexual kids in your high school are already having sex and the school's abstinance only sex-ed policy is a joke and study after study has demonstrated that it has no long-term affect on a teenagers sexual behavior. Abstinance only sex-ed is a complete farce, a poltical position by adults, accepted by school administrators in exchange for money from the government. Walker is a Judas, betraying the children under his charge for 30 pieces of egotistcal silver. I see nothing of love for children in his resignation and only love of himself.

Only in the South could this happen, only in the South. See, Its stuff like that is why you guys lost the Civil War.

I are thinkin this why schools R bad. 2 much time spent on worthless dings and not nuff on basics.

I for one am sending my children to private school. The majority of public teachers in my district also send their own children to private school. The tyranny of the majority once again slays the golden goose. (2 non-mixes metaphors in one sentence - cool)

Interesting--and admirable--concept for this school district to embrace diversity in this manner. I wonder, though, what their stance would be if students decided to form an all heterosexual club. Would such a "straight" club be treated with the same deference and respect from administration officials as this homosexual club, or would it be condemned as being exclusionary, homophobic, and intolerant? It's funny how one person's "celebration" is another's target for acrimony...

As a Christian,homosexual, male educator in the Columbia area, I have to salute this principal's decision. I have taught for over two decades and have seen the school systems become less about education and more about student rights. It is sad to me that at the high school where I teach the FCA has to meet off campus, but the GLA meets in a class room.

This is all BS! Yes, school should be a safe place.
Yes, we need to be understanding of our young people who are struggling to find themselves. However, school districts need to take a stand and stop trying to be so "politically correct". If students want to meet to pray, discuss the video games they like, practice their favorite dances, or discuss their sexuality they should do it some other time and some other place. School was not established to be the social club.

Let's get back to basics and start supporting the programs of our local churches, YMCA's, youth councils, etc. that already have these "politically correct" programs. Let's tighten up discipline at school and put the rigor back in education.

This man simply stood by his faith in Jesus Christ. Now we have people labeling him and making him out to be some sort of monster. I pray that God would help me to make good decisions like this honorable principal. Some things are just not acceptable. There is a reason why God created male and female. America needs to wake up. Let's repent and return to God. He is our only hope.

Being gay is a choice. There should be no sex club in High School. I don't care if you are straight or gay. A High School is no place for a club like that.

If they are going to allow a gay club on campus, why not an S&M Club and a Bestiality Club and a Rough Sex Club? Wouldn't it be a form of prejudice if such "alternative" lifestyle clubs were not allowed but a Gay Club was?

I understand having sex education at schools, but let's hold off on the sexual activity encouraging activities. These kids are at an age when they have enough concerns to deal with.

I am so proud that people our standing up for what is right I pray you will find a better job YOU MADE GOD PROUD PLEASE DO NOT LET PEOPLE TELL YOU THAT YOU WERE WORNG MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

Bravo for the decision made by the principal.A club is a group of people with a common interest. As far as bullying in school that is here to stay and has always been. Ugly girls, smart studios people(now known as geeks and nerds, band members, people who wear glasses, poor people and I could go on and on but you get the picture. It's amazing that the first people who accuse people that take a stand to be bigots. They are suppose be to accepting and tolerant of opposing views. It appears this has turned into a one way street. Kudos to any man willing to stand up for his religious convictions. If God had created two men, then humanity would have ended. The last statement was meant for those that really believe in God. Notice that I said God and not "deity" which is the politically correct term.

D. Jones
Laurinburg, NC

I quest it's ok for Gay's to come out of the closet at Irmo High School. They are protected by the law just like teenage girl going to class pregnant and setting a bad example for girls who do not desire to get pregnant before graduating. This is a sign that sex is ok before marriage. This is why there are so many students and teachers having sex. It is time to change the law and have students wanting to be adults and have children before 18 to attend Adult Education Classes during the day or evening. How would you like to have your daughter sat in class to get an education and her classmate goes into labor in the classroom. This is what happen recently at a local High School in Lexington County. Sexual active students and gays should not express their desires on the property of schools. I hope lawmakers do something about this on a National level.

if they are gonna make such a big deal about a club that gives support to people of a different sexual orientation, they they need to get rid of all such support groups in school. There should be no gospel group; they would be wanted to throw Christianity down everyone's throats and we wouldn't want that right? There should not be a support group for high school mothers either; that's promoting sex like having a GSA right? I say if he wants to leave let him. I was at a GSA(well it was called FLAGS but same thing) at Lander and it was awesome. We had so much support and it helped me to be more comfortable with myself. These are high school kids and they need all of the support that they can get. GSA is for both gay and straight students who want to support each other and show everyone else that sexuality is just another thing like eye color- you can't change it.

"last year 31 percent of gay students were threatened or injured and 18 percent were physically assaulted because of their sexual orientation"

Were there 31? 310? 18? 180? 1800? Why not give us the math which will make 31% or 18% into an whole number (i.e. a whole person)?

These numbers are intentionally deceptive. Why not give real numbers? How many people were assaulted?

Maybe someone could contact the police to see how many complaints have been made by the peaceful homosexuals against the straight mean people.

Good for him! It is about time people stood up. I understand when disney announced same sex marriages the captains on the disney boats refused to perform gay ceremonies. they just have someone who looks like a crew member do it but they will not.

The school's faculty is technically involved in anything the students do. This means the adults in the faculty are involved with the formation of a sexual theme based organization of minor children. Therefore the faculty of the school should be criminally prosecuted. If the parents knew that their children had joined a sex based group that is administered by adults such as this, they should lose custody of their children and be charged, too. It isn't discrimination against gays, but it is discrimination against illegal activity. This is demented, and I am outraged that you all for considering this acceptable.

DEAR MR. WALKER:
I'M PRAYING FOR YOU BECAUSE I KNOW WHAT A TREMENDOUS STEP YOU TOOK AGAINST SATAN HIMSELF.WE ALL HAVE CERTAIN RIGHTS GOD GAVE US. THOSE AGAINST THOSE RIGHTS ARE AGAINST GOD HIMSELF, AND ALIGN THEMSELVES WITH THE ONE THAT IS IN EXACT OPPOSITION TO GOD.

I PRAISE YOUR STAND FOR GOD'S WILL!

YOU CAN CERTAINLY KNOW FOR CERTAIN THAT YOU ARE ON THE SIDE OF GOD!

I am still amazed anyone thinks you choose your sexuality. I guess all those straight people made a choice. Hmmm..If everyone chooses there sexuality then I guess everyone is Bi-Sexual....Married women watch out your heterosexual husbands might go a drift....People grow up and think.... no one chooses their sexual preference. Ask yourself this question...did you choose to be heterosexual and if you did then you are attracted to members of the same sex.. Its best that Eddie Walker resigns at least he recognized that he is not an affective leader and lacks the mental ability to lead.

praise God for people like you, if the '''quote christians""" would have taken that stand, God would not have been taken out of the schools, so sad but true, christians we are guilty because we didnt have the backbone to stand against the sin of it, we wonder why so many school shootings etc, and then they ask why is God allowing this to happen, why not? you didnt want Him there so He left,my goodness other beliefs are allowed to do their thing in school, but not a child of God shame on you people, now look, my hat is off to you and if you decide to come to alabama to teach im sure our schools would love to have someone with values such as yours bless you sir,signing off as grandma

Common Prayer is forbidden in shcools in the US and yet the obvious promotion of GAY SEX is OK. Wow! I dare not think how the country is going be in 20/30 years. Maybe the'll PRAY before SEX.

Why would we say the race and sexual preference are the same thing. That is an insult to us black people. We were born black and we did not have a choice. We read that these people come OUT like the govenor of New Jeresy he has a family the come OUT. Who is living the lie.

We need to get back to the basic in school. We have kids that can not read write and do math. Do we need another club of any kind. We may need more study Clubs if anything.

I am now a college graduate student and was a student at Pelion Elementary School when Mr. Walker was principle. He is one of the most dedicated individuals to his faith, school, and community. He was outside the school every morning to greet students and knew every student by name. It is completely unfair to vilify his character and call him a bigot based on his personal decision. He has every right to make this decision and I applaud his courage. People should really learn about his many contributions to the South Carolina education system before they harshly judge his character.

Principle Walker...God bless you. Too often the Christian point of view is stomped on, spit on, attacked and mostly misunderstood.
I can understand some of these comments that attack "religion", because, let's face it, the number one reason people hate Christians is because of Christians. When you attack the individual for their sin you are as bad as the Pharisees. Jesus said, "Let him without sin cast the first stone". Also "Remove the plank from your own eye before you try to remove the splinter from your brother’s eye".
Biblically speaking is homosexuality a sin? YES! It is a sin, but so is that little white lie you told and that pen that you stole from work. In God's eyes a sin is a sin and are equal in their severity, but because we are human, we categorize sin from bad to worst. But to a perfect God the person who stole the pen from work is as bad of a sinner as the murderer. So don't attack groups for the sins that they commit.
With all this said, don’t judge the sinful world or the sins of the individual. Love them and pray for them. I applaud Principle walker in his decision to step down, because it shows that he cannot morally lead a school with a blatant sin being allowed.
Why Children are allowed to have a club that shows off this sin is amazing. What's next? A club that centers on the best way to get girls in bed. According to the article this should be allowed.
To the Christian, I must say...Remember to hate the sin but love the sinner.

Oh, someone please please please approve educational vouchers! I am not strong enough to home school my children. I do believe in my heart it requires someone who is trained to teach. But, I want to pick my school environment for MY CHILDREN. I want it to be a small school, so that I am aware of ALL activites that are available. When facilities get so big, alot of junk gets lost and then builds and builds until it is big enough that we cannot do anything about the situation.

Ya know, there was a day of silence in April in support of gay activists. I called my child's school to inquire if they were going to participate. They were shocked to hear about it (and the Christian mom who answered the phone was mortified). I gave her the AFA's website notifying her of the event. I wanted the option to keep my child at home that day. I cannot stand the thought of "dodging immoral" bullets constantly for the next 15 years.

Someone please tell me how to get school vouchers back on the table in South Carolina!

How refreshing to see that there are a few men willing to give their comfort zone and stand up for what's right.

May God bless you sir, many school districts should fight for the honor of having you as a moral giant in their school.

A toast to you Sir .... CLINK.!!

Having a club where gay students and their friends can meet safely does not promote sex with anyone - gay teens hear the same message of abstinence that their straight friends hear, and can choose to be abstinent too. Just because they want a place to meet where they can be free of harassment (and even physical danger) doesn't mean that they're going to automatically start having sex left and right. With that logic, all co-ed clubs should be banned because of the sex that might result among straight teens.

Mr. Walker's decision to leave is simply based upon his belief that allowing such a club to meet is immoral, and he is entitled to his belief. His choice to make such a vocal and public exit, however, is simply grandstanding. The reasons for his departure could have been made known to the school board privately - he did not have to make such a public fuss. Alternately, he easily could have delayed making public the reasons for his departure until he actually leaves, in 2009. But he instead chose to make a huge public spectacle in order to portray himself as a martyr, thereby ensuring a virulent backlash against these poor students (as evidenced by some of the hateful comments already posted). I mean, how on earth did WACH obtain his letter of resignation? Did he hire a publicist??

Adding insult to injury, his comments about observing the "Golden Rule" are obviously hollow given the judgemental way he is implying these students "have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes". I'm surprised he didn't, in our grand southern tradition, add "bless their hearts" to the end of his letter.

I grew up in SC...today I have some gay friends and relatives and they are mostly good people...I also have some straight friends and relatives who aren't so good. As a Christian, I think we are all children of God and that Jesus said to not judge others; that is His job. What people do in their bedrooms is their own business, I think.

So if some teens want a support group around sexuality, to help figure out their lives, I say they should have the chance. Those who are afraid of this, might want to look inside...what are you afraid of? Some who are most afraid of gays may be gay themselves. So, South Carolinians, I would calm down and relax and look at the rest of the country where tolerance is in better shape. It makes the world a better place. Spread love, not hate. The Bible is all about love, not judgment (unless you are a Jew.)

What an amazing testimony of Integrity backed up by humble action. I am encourage by Principal Walker's story, and hope other believers in Christ will be encouraged to apply James 2:14-24 "Faith without works is dead". Thankyou Principal Walker for standing faithfully by what you believe, no matter what the cost, so that others will know that your faith in Christ is real.

Public Education is noting but indoctrination and propagandization these days. The entrire system is corrupt and a failure to its purpose.
If the tyrannical system would allow vouchers, these problems would be minimised.
Mr. Walker is a hero in my book. No more wussie boy-men.

Robert

We *should* make teenagers struggling with their sexualities victims of the culture war.

Oh wait.

In regard to the comment below. You're right - it IS a choice (you're not born that way) and it's a sinful.

Good Riddance
"Children who choose different lifestyles are ostracized, ridiculed, and frequently physically abused in this country. To have the school take a position of tolerance shows that the students of the school should assume a similar posture in their own lives."

I applaud Mr. Walker's conviction and actions. I would hope that I would do the same in a similar situtation. The Bible spoke of the issues of deviant behavior and, as Chritians, we should show love but still abide by the word.

Way to go Principal! What those kids need is Jesus.

It is unfortunate that we NEED support groups at all. I think one thing that is a misconception is the use of the term "club". In fact, it is misused more than anything by bigots who advocate, because of their religious beliefs, abuse against aothers. Make no mistake, that is at the core of the argument. "Morally superior" individuals who believe that it is acceptable to verbally, mentally, physically, even sexually abuse others because of one difference or another that they believe to be "immoral" or "inferior".

This "club", in fact, is more in line with the "support group" heading than the "comonly shared hobby/interest".

Someone actually was "concerned" about clubs popping up regarding "unwed mothers" or "drug use". Ya know what? This club IS closer th those type of "clubs" because of its "support group" nature. Teenage Parents (not just mothers, victims of drug abuse (whether the students themselves or Parents or friends, etc), even support groups dealing with abuse in general (one doesn't even have to have been a victim but rather could be students interested in ending abuse of all types) are certainly valid "clubs".

But hate mongers and bigots, operating using lies and deceit as well as misinformation, don't want such clubs because... guess what? THEY are abusers themseleves. THEY are the antisocial, the sociopaths. THEY are the ones who WANT victims to abuse. Because without victims, they are just another imperfect Human with their own personal, religious, and/or political beliefs. Not someone who is better than everyone who doesn't believe what they believe.

Tolerance is, in fact, irrelevant. You don't HAVE to like someone who is "different" than you. You don't HAVE to accept them. You don't HAVE to become like them.

But then, that's true for them about you.

Andrew

I think it is ridiculous to form such clubs in schools where there are CHILDREN! These are not adults. I just want society to understand that this is what is exploding with immoral behavior and tolerance of EVERYTHING. Standing up for convictions is vital. No! I do not want "us to all get along". As a christian, it is important to understand that we hate THE sin; not THE sinner. For we have all sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But, we have to repent. Forming a club is acceptance of this immoral behavior, not prayer and repentance.

Congratulations to the man for standing on his convictions. God will bless him in a future job and provide for his family. God speed to you!

Other clubs: Hmmmm? The Swingers, the Molestors, Pediphile Group, Murderers....keep thinking ... I am sure they will allow them (especially around CHILDREN!)

MY HAT IS OFF TO THIS PERSON MORE NEED TO MAKE A STAND PEOPLE ARE TRYING TO SHOVE THIS DOWN PEOPLES THROAT SAYING IT OK NO IT NOT OK.

In the story, Brent Childer of South Carolina Equality says "misguided religious belief". Talk about equality when this guy says that. SCE is a total joke with comments like this. If someone should be able to choose to be gay or lesbian in this country without ridicule, then someone should be able to have their religious beliefs without ridicule. South Carolina Equality obviously has its own agenda and their own definition of equality. I guess they truly don't believe equality for all!

It is unfortunate of Mr. Walker's decision to leave IHS. If he was more accepting of the GSA it would be a positive influence on all the students especially those that discriminate, or worse, against fellow gay students. Gay students are here, I know we are not going to change, suicide rates are up, statistics show society needs to be more supportive of there sexual orientation.

I am an alumna of Irmo High School (class of 1988). I have witnessed this school performing a downward spiral in recent years. When I graduated this was one of the best schools in the state. Unfortunately the same cannot be said now. Gangs have helped ruin the school that we once boasted about. Now it looks like the school district is to liberal to stand up for what is good for the students. I am not a bible beater and I also have gay family members. But I have no problem saying that allowing this club on campus sends the WRONG message to students of any orientation! I have two children myself. I am extremely concerned that the decision to allow this club will have a ripple effect on other high schools. I am absolutely appalled!

So what determines bigotry?
Is it a person's preferences that we see as not socially acceptable?
What determines "misguided" religion?
Are you really saying your religion is better than biblical religion?
If we say that, are we saying our society is so much better morally today than in biblical days?
The hate, and intolerance appears to be those who are saying Walker was wrong just for resigning. Resigning is not the same as bullying. In fact, resigning implies resignation to those who are bullying!

IT isn't often that anyone from Dutch Fork would applaud an Irmo HS Principal, but I felt I must in this instance. I appreciate Eddie Walker for taking his stand. I know of all the good things that Mr. Walker has done for Irmo HS, and we are worse off for his leaving.

Thank you, Mr. Walker for all you have done, and please, School Board, wake up and take notice of what a good man has to do to live up to his convictions because you were too weak to live up to yours. I know many of you to be good people, but Mr. Walker should should not have been forced to show you how to live up tou your convictions.

I think it is a pitiful shame for this school to loose such a fine man. Good educators are way too hard to find. It is ridiculous to group this club with others that are nothing like it. The other extra curricular activities and groups have to do with hobbies and future careers. This club has no business in school. Unless of course these students are going to become prostitutes or they consider sex as a hobby. Once again everyone has their priorities completely out of whack. what is more important the childrens sexual preference or their education. If you ask me they go to school to learn. If the gay kids would not go around flaunting their orientation they probably would not have so many problems. I have never in my life had a straight person come up to me and say hi my name is fred and I am gay. However almost every gay person I know thinks they need to yell it from the rooftops. They think it defines them in some way. They spend all their time making sure everyone knows they are different and then they get upset because they are treated different. Give me a break! This is 2008 chances are no one cares who you are having sex with unless you make it a point to tell everyone. By the way I am a 43 year old lesbian. When I was in school this was completely unacceptable. My sexual preference was very obvious to everyone. When I was in school I was there to learn. I never bothered anyone and no one bothered me. This is because I never titled myself or felt the need to let anyone know what I did in my personal life.

I am a graduate of Irmo High School, with a undergraduate from Furman University and a Masters from Columbia University in the City of New York.

I am ashamed that such a man was allowed, for any period of time, to preach his own kind of intolerance to the students at my alma mater, and that he had the ostentatious gall to make his reasons for resigning public.

Forming a club to offer high school children support and assistance with the question of sexuality (no, Mr. Walker -- they won't have sex because they are members of the club) is the right thing to do.

Children who choose different lifestyles are ostracized, ridiculed, and frequently physically abused in this country. To have the school take a position of tolerance shows that the students of the school should assume a similar posture in their own lives.

I am ashamed that this man even questioned the formation of the club, much more that he chose to make his resignation for that reason his national soap box.

Good riddance to an ignorant and bigoted man.

Congratulations Mr. Walker. You stood up for your beliefs and THE TRUTH. Being gay is just wrong, I get this from the Bible. The Bible IS the word of GOD and thats final. Great job setting an example for the rest of us.

I applaud Mr. Walker for sticking with his moral convictions. It is sad enough that we have to have sexual perversions foisted on us through TV, movies and print media, but it is stench in the nostrils of God to have such perversion among school children. Like one of your writers said, you can turn your back on the moral truth of the sinfulness of homosexuality all you want, but it doesn't change the truth.

This is absolutely absurd. Insane, almost. Why in the world are clubs being formed based on sexual orientation at the high school level? Since when does this have anything to do with the schooling of CHILDREN? Think about it - we're talking about 13 or 14 to 17 years old (occasionally 18) - since when is what your sexual preference a legitimate extra curricular club?

We're way off course here, people - and the lawyers who would sue to make this club a reality are grasping for attention, not equality. People who defend this decision are more than likely looking at it from a singular position (as in, "I wish this existed when I was in school" kind of thing). We're not thinking of the general good.

It's shameful - high schoolers are very impressionable. Not in the sense that one might be "tricked" or "lured" to try same sex or even opposite sex (I give people more credit than that), but in the sense that it introduces SEX as an acceptable activity at young ages. Nobody here is so naive to believe that it's not currently happening, but do we have to give it a club and say it's their right? The majority of a high school population is of MINOR status - and therefore up to ADULTS to steer them in the proper path.

As a Christian who struggles with same-sex attraction, I applaud Eddie Walker for his decision! What a courageous and admirable step in today's society. Eddie, you will have many Christians praying for you! I certainly respect you and your decision.

I admire the way Principal Walker has handled the situation. He is not supporting something that he has conviction over and is therefore stepping down from his position. He isn't spreading hate or calling names or causing a scene. He is entitled to his own beliefs, as we all are, and is not going to be pressured into supporting something that he feels in wrong. If only we all could have such bravery as to stand up for what we believe in, knowing there will be persecution, but having the strength to face it anyway. I commend him for his bravery and convictions no matter what those convictions might be.

we should applaud mr. walker for standing up for what he believes, no matter what others think.

I find it very interesting that my son was denied the right to start a BIBLE CLUB (he had taken all of the steps required, and the club had been meeting informally for over 2 years, but they were told no yearbook pic, no use of speaker system, no right to fund raise and given the church/state line, which is bunk)at his high school, but this PC liberal nonsense is OK...
Sir, you can teach my kids any time! Please head for PA!

If he chooses to step down from his job, because of a conflict in what he stands for, than that's his decision. We can't make him stay nor should we be able to. Even if he didn't like Blacks or Asians or any race of color, if it makes him feel uncomfortable to be in that environment and he wants to remove himself, that should be his right. He may be a bigot, that much is up for debate, but who are we to say what he can and cannot do with his own life?

I find it funny to read the hate that comes from those who are glad this man is gone. Man shall not lay with man and woman shall not lay with woman. You can turn your back on the truth because it doest suit you but, it is still the truth and this man stands with the truth weither you like it or not. Life has never been born of same sex because God did not intend it to be that way.

I'm not gay, but I have family members who were. In fact, i have a gay cousin who is a very devout Christian, and even married a woman and fathered 2 daughters with the belief that 'Jesus would cure him.'

Well a Christian minister that he confided in outed him. He needed someone to help him spiritually in an effort to 'stay straight' and the minister in an act of horrid intolerance announced to the congregation that my cousin was to be avoided due to his tendencies- even though he had never broke Christian law and acted on them.

Well he left that church, found a different church, shacked up with a great guy and seems much better off in my opinion.

The point- teachers, pastors, and others entrusted with the care of their fellow citizens need to be much more tolerant of the people in their care, if Mr. Walker was really interested in 'helping' people in a religious context a straight-gay club is exactly the type of thing that could accomplish this. Shame on that educator for not thinking smart, and letting his ignorant bias get in the way of educating and even evangelizing. He is a shameful coward and probably not worthy of the position he held.

Yes, one less bigot mentally molesting our children and placing them in harms way. He finally showed that his actions in the past may very well have been discriminatory towards various students based on his bigoted religious beliefs.

I find it hilarious when hate groups founded by religion scream that they aren't allowed to believe as they want when in the full face of the Truth, it is that they want to dictate what others believe. No one at any point said the principal or any other Parent or even student HAD to be a member of the club or had to change their own personal beliefs. But, by forcing THEIR religious bigotries, through denying those students THEIR Rights, they have actually shown their true nature. They have shown they believe that THEIR way is the ONLY way and that homosexual students MUST be forced to follow their way, even if those beliefs don't match what the student's Parents believe. In so doing, the principal has ADMITTED that he feels his beliefs are morally superior to everyone else's and that all the students there must adhere to HIS bigoted beliefs alone, even those students whose Parents DON'T want their children to follow such hate filled beliefs.

You are entitled to believe what you want to believe. But when you try to FORCE your beliefs, through bigotry and discrimination, then you've crossed a line of ethics.

Want to segregate yourself? Go ahead. Create a private school based on bigotry and hate if you want. Make sure you let the Parents of prospective students know that they must follow YOUR bigoted beliefs to attend your school. From the sounds of it, several other bigots, such as Parents, will follow you. Maybe you can even get a little financial help from Fred Phelps.

Again, it's not because of your beliefs, it's because you want a theological dictatorship that is based on bigotry and hate that would set out to harm students who didn't fit in your world of the morally superior that I have a problem with. If you can't work with the complex general public, then don't work in it.

Looking at the statistics about how homosexual students have been verbally, mentally, physically, even sexually abused by other bigots, and the principal's own admission of bigotry, I wonder how many abuse victims are at that school who have been overlooked and ignored BECAUSE of his bigotry?

Andrew

Gays should be accepted. Period. Would you be applauding him if he tried to block a club for blacks? 40 years ago you probably would have. Religious teachings that say different are wrong, backward and hateful. The bible also advocates genocide (Book of Joshua). You Christians need to lighten up.

This is insane, We don't want children praying in school and we take God out of the Pledge of Allegiance but we are going to allow a gay club in schools. All I can say is I agree with Eddie for standing up for his beliefs.

"I feel the formation of a Gay/Straight Alliance Club at Irmo High school implies that students joining the club will have chosen to or will choose to engage in sexual activity with members of the same sex, opposite sex, or members of both sexes."

Does he *really* believe that? If so, he's pretty dull. People can be aware of their own homo/bi/heterosexuality LONG before they actually engage in sexual activity.

Congratulations to Eddie Walker! It's rare in this day and age to find a man (or woman) of true convictions; one willing to stand firm in them. It's so much easier and "acceptable" to just remain silent...and we all know where THAT leads. Thank you, Mr. Walker for being a positive role model to the students and Christians' Christian. Blessed will be the establishment brave enough to seek you out for employment!